Late Night Music Part 15 NFL Kickoff Edition.................G'Day Mate! How About Another Shrimp On The Bobby?

One place that has always fascinated me is Australia. Think about it- they have some of the most exotic animals in the world, have some of the most passionate sports fans in the world, some of the most unreal beautiful vacation spots in the world, is one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world, and yet they seem to be mysteriously in the middle of nowhere down there in the South Pacific Ocean. I've always wanted to go there, and ever since Chip and Virginia's honeymoon there in 2006, that curiosity has not only grown, it's BOILED OVER. I admire Australian's patriotism and can't think of a single person I've met from Australia who was anything but a very pleasant person. That being said, they've also left us with some eh..........."interesting" music.

Aussies have always thrown their own style into music that makes it across the ocean and up past the equator. Sometimes, the style is clever, other times, it's just...........strange. While other times we might like it at first, but we can look back now at various Australian acts and just ask ourselves........"really?" after you see what you "used to" listen to.

Also receivng votes in this category were Silverchair "Anna's Song", Merril Bainbridge "Mouth", Frente! "Bizarre Love Triangle", Rebecca St. James "Wait For Me",and Midnight Oil "Blue Sky Mine".

Tina Arena- "Chains". Tina Arena cracked the top 40 in America in the mid 90's with this song. Honestly, I think if she would have been American she would have been huge. Her style isn't really that different from Western music and she is definitely good looking. While she never had much American success, she is one of the biggest celebrities in Melbourne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbgzvKVzlQ

Jet- "Look What You've Done". I first got into Jet with their song "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" on the soundtrack of Madden 2003 that I spent so much time playing in college. However, these Melbourne brothers got me hooked with this ballad from their debut album "Get Born", which unfortunately for them has set their own bar so high, they will probably never match it after being compared to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones after this album. Meanwhile, while they are off chasing kangaroos, enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh0XZy-Hd34&feature=fvsr

Crowded House- "Don't Dream It's Over". A few things strike me as odd about this song/video- first of all, the beginning of this song seems so familiar it almost seems like the beginning of the song "How Do You Talk To An Angel" from the group/tv show "The Heights". Seriously, check it out and tell me if I am imagining things. Also, lead singer Neil Finn looks like he MIGHT be 14 years old, and why in the WORLD is he playing an acoustic guitar in the video? There is NO WAY they recorded this song acoustic. This video makes me think I'm watching Kids Incorporated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCqsG1t7RoU

Natalie Imbruglia- "Torn". OK song, unbelievably beautiful woman. I had forgotten how into Natalie Imbruglia I was until I went back down memory lane just now and saw her again- still breath taking. I also really like her song "Smoke". I can't think of anything else that would do this video justice- just watch and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTod6ecTzUg

Savage Garden- "I Knew I Loved You". Ok, I am confused. First of all, why do you have a name like Savage Garden when there are only TWO of you? Also, if you ask me, this is one of the most overrated annoying groups in the history of music. Seriously, if I heard "Truly Madly Deeply" one more time.....I was gonna break my radio! I am ok with this song, but this video is absolutely horrible on so many levels. First off, we have the acoustic guitar again (must be an Australian thing), and the video seems as if Darren Hayes is an enigma- it just has the feel that he is NOT supposed to be on that train. If I really wanted to be mean to you guys, I would have put "To The Moon and Back" on here. I really think these guys are strange even on an Australian scale- maybe because they are "northerners" from all the way up in Brisbane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APnO_I4idsY

Men At Work- "Land Down Under". I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MEN AT WORK!!!!! This is one of my favorite bands and one of my favorite songs! Despite being exceptionally strange, Colin Hay is one of the better front men of any 80's band. I love the "actors" in this video as the band is almost making fun of Australian film making, and yes, the koala bear they have there is fake for all you animal lovers. This song and video are actually a form of protest against the Government of Australia buying federal land that is part of the natural landscape of the country, hence the "funeral" at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNT7uZf7lew

Bee Gees- "One". I had to put one their songs that wasn't disco, because this song besides being their "comeback" hit of 1989, also gave us the chance to see why these guys were so fun to watch. Seriously, do these guys look ANYTHING like they did in the 70's? These guys age/aged HORRIBLY. Andy should be ashamed of himself flaunting his amazing hair while his brothers are stuck with their crap- I wonder if his was real. I hate Maurice Gibb passed away in 2003, as the Bee Gees were always good live, even if they were ugly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MNyD_YG53g

AC/DC- "Shook Me All Night Long". Something has GOT to be wrong with you if you can't get pumped for this song. However, besides the obvious unintentional comedy of lead singer Brian Johnson looking like he's squeezing out a fart while he sings, lead guitar player Angus Young is one of those guys you just look at and go "wow" because you can look at him and tell he's not American. That look he puts on is either that of an Australian.............or a crackhead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bomv-6CJSfM

INXS- "Not Enough Time". I'll never forget the first time I saw this video. It was part of a "music series" to go along with the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, and I always thought this song was strange because first of all, it's just downright creepy, second, the video is almost like a preview of 1994's "Come Undone" video by Duran Duran. These guys ALWAYS struck me as strange, and I still to this day, have no idea how this song could have any affiliation with the Olympics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk1aX6hvRe8

Rick Springfield- "Jessie's Girl". Here is one that you forget sometimes, yes Rick Springfield is Australian. Rick Springfield scored one of the biggest 80's hits and one of the biggest one hit wonders in music history with this song. I have never heard an 80's cover band NOT do this song in their set at some point. I think what makes this song so cool is the awesome guitar lick that starts the song and his heard throughout. Just hearing that intro makes you feel like you're in the 80's!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adaYUM5wl7c

Air Supply- "Lost In Love". Ok, I like these guys, but seriously, look at this video and look at their picture. They have really good voices but how do guys this goofy looking get famous? Russell Hitchcock could win a World Goober Award and when I see this video I am BEGGING him to cut his hair! Graham Russell in an obvious attempt to over compensate his partner's goobyness, has to look like a 50 year old man trying to be 25 with the shirt unbuttoned. Hope you have enjoyed this look at our friends from Down Under, and if nothing else you've learned not to dress like these guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpntNDAYltM

Bonus Video- Great rendition of "Waltzing Matilda" by Tina Arena before the 1995 Australian Open Men's Tennis Final between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. Not only is this a great acapella version, I love the patriotism shown by the Australian fans as well as the respect shown for the USA with the American flags. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dVZo5a4_Ok

See what I mean?

Good gravy this is one sexy Australian

Making Australians everywhere proud since 1958

Just a joke my Australian friends

Late Night Music Part 14............Boyz II Men

I have been in a reminiscent mood today, and with the upcoming 9th anniversary of 9/11 I have really spent alot of time in the music that has meant alot to me since that time. I would say of all the artists I really really follow, only a handful have been able to stay current and in my favorites over a long period of time while releasing new music. When you think about it, Elton John and Hootie and the Blowfish stand out, but so does the often overlooked Boyz II Men.

I remember when Boyz II Men came out when I was in the.......gulp........3rd grade. They have recently announced the release of another album this year, "Love", which will feature all covered love ballads ranging from Journey to Bonnie Raitt. It will be released in November.

Few artists have been able to stand the test of time like Boyz II Men. When they first arrived, they were the group that put Motown back on the map after over a decade of being stagnant. They were the first African American group to hit a big crossover audience since Michael Jackson in the early 80's. In addition to their unbelievably heavenly vocal arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, they have set great examples for the youth of America.

Also receiving votes in this category were "Sympin'", "Water Runs Dry", "I Miss You", "Pass You By", "Doin' Just Fine", and "You Make Me Feel Brand New".

"Motownphilly". Boyz II Men's first single from their debut album "Cooleyhighharmony", this video was also featured in the "90's R & B" entry. Like I stated before- why is Sudden Impact even IN this video? Anyway, notice the "coats and shorts" style from the early 90's- and thank God this was the only video Michael Bivens was in that Boyz II Men made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHzkICG47LU

"Please Don't Go". Also from their debut album, this song was very underrated because it wasn't released as a single. The first track on the CD, this song was alot of people's first taste of Boyz II Men. Here is a great live performance from 1992 of that song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7pa2tJEMTY

"It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday". I love this video because only Boyz II Men could make jorts look so cool! Beautiful song- was featured on the series finale of "A Different World"- which Boyz II Men also sang the theme to the last season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VastXQ_hPb0

"Silent Night". From their "Christmas Interpretations" album, this traditional Christmas classic was featured on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1993. I still don't know if it was really live or recorded. Nonetheless, it was the group's first appearance on major network television. Sales of the CD soared after this appearance on a very high watched episode of Fresh Prince.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfSUyRZuE1g

"End of the Road". Probably their most famous song, this album broke Whitney Houston's streak for most weeks at #1 and held the record for a few years (until Celine Dion came along with a song about a sinking ship). As previously mentioned in the last entry, this song was featured in the soundtrack for the movie "Boomerang", which was far from the gem that this song was. Interesting fact that this song was never included on a Boyz II Men studio album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZcG0NBMcDA

"Thank You". The opening track of their follow up album "II", which is still their best selling album to date, this song set the tone for the rest of the album. I remember this song being HUGE when I was in 7th grade- yikes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DysP6hul9PU

"On Bended Knee". In their first semi-big budget video, Boyz II Men enlisted the help of Kim Fields, Lark Voorhies, Victoria Rowell, and Renee Jones for this video. Interesting fact that both Jones and Rowell were 34 and 35 respectively, at the time this video was made. No member of Boyz II Men was older than 26. I still think this song has Wanya Morris's best ever solo part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8giTjtNX3qk

"One Sweet Day". This "duet" with Mariah Carey was featured on several TV shows in 1996.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzeMzo_4pxA

"4 Seasons of Loneliness". With the anticipation of their much awaited follow up to "II", the group released this video with a world wide premiere in 1997 ahead of "Evolution".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L73JVvMQoQ

"Song for Momma". Also featured on the soundtrack for the movie "Soul Food" (very overrated movie btw, but that's a different conversation), this song is for all the mothers out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILtYtOc8lZM

"Can You Stand the Rain". A cover of the New Edition classic, I remember my mom hearing this song and doubting the actual recording and saying "I don't see how it's possible for someone to sing THAT in tune". Despite this song never being released as a single, it is still one of the most popular songs Boyz II Men released.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCVIqHkOHr0

"I Will Get There". I never cared much for this movie, but this song featured on the soundtrack to the "Prince of Egypt" in 1999 became an inspirational song on the gospel charts and was even featured in some spots for 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY5QgpgrJP0

"I Do". Only Lassiter would agree with me on this, but this is DEFINITELY one of the most underrated Boyz II Men songs. Despite their 2000 album "Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya" performing poorly at the stores, this song remains as a hidden gem in their repertoire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM3ucc-fep4&feature=fvw

"The Color of Love". WITHOUT A DOUBT my favorite Boyz II Men song ever. I think the group moving to Arista Records in 2002 to release "Full Circle" probably hurt, Arista Records put in several million dollars to film and premiere this video all over the world. The video was filmed on location in Ghana, Puerto Rico, Japan, India, and New York. For some reason, I can never watch this video without tearing up. Watch and see for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvBpGF8huGY

"Time Will Reveal". From their 2004 cover album "Throwback Vol. 1", this was the first album to not feature Michael McCrary as he left the group due to back problems. Most of you probably remember this DeBarge hit from the 80's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6db_ZKV0B40

"Sara Smile". A great version of the Hall and Oates classic also featured on "Throwback".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZkdJuQAZwM

"Tracks of my Tears". Boyz II Men most recently released "Motown: A Travel Through Hitsville USA" in 2007 as Randy Jackson produced the album was nominated for two grammies. Eventhough these guys are 18 years older and put on a little weight, they can still get down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuBjsnZx48Y

"Just My Imagination". It's hard to imagine a group like Boyz II Men being around for so long. It seems like yesterday I was buying their debut album (which was in fact the 2nd CD I ever bought- PLEASE do not ask me what #1 was), and now, 18 years later, I am excited about the upcoming release of their newest album. Enjoy this Temptations hit covered recently, but don't let your imagination run away with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIqm8JxWBjs&feature=channel

BONUS VIDEO-

The Acapella Version of "End of The Road" featured on "Motown"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppX5MQkyeUA

Late Night Music Part 13............Did They Really Just Cover THAT?

You know, as long as music has been recorded, there have been cover songs. You know, the band trying to redo to their own style a song from years past in an effort to use that song's already established chart power to put themselves on the map. We also see the "album fillers" by mainstream artists to simply put another song on an unfinished album. Some of these covers are fantastic, some are bad. Some, no matter their various degrees of excellence simply leaving you scratching your head. Either it's creativity, or they are just crazy. Either way, you be the judge. Also receiving votes in this category were- Razorlight "With a Little Help From My Friends", Prince "Betcha By Golly Wow", Smashing Pumpkins "Landslide", Almost all the songs on the "Two Rooms" Elton John/Bernie Taupin tribute album, Aerosmith "Come Together", Musiq Soulchild "Something" and Sara Evans "I Could Not Ask For More".

Save Ferris- "I Want You to Want Me" and "Come on Eileen". This ska punk band from Orange County made a living off of opening for big time groups and using their sexy lead singer Monique Powell as drawing power to go along with their bizarre antics. Before breaking up in 2002, they turned two smash 80's hits into their signature songs (along with recording "build me up buttercup"). I am sure Cheap Trick and Dexy's Midnight Runners are so glad they have been turned into ska punchlines. However, both of these aren't bad, just a little odd coming from this band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLGncmMv2bA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCzWPBR30Nk

Oleta Adams- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me". Featured on the aforementioned "Two Rooms" album, Oleta Adams added her soulful voice to the album with this cover of the Elton John classic. She has flown under the radar most of her career, but is surprisingly huge in South America, Brazil in particular. You may remember her version of "Get Here" being featured on some FedEx commercials in the early 90's. While this version is great, this video is rather confusing. I think I could have done a better job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_M0hY0GhNI

Mandy Moore and Michael Stipe- "God Only Knows". This song, featured in the movie "Saved!" is peculiar for a few reasons. First, if you saw the movie, it would really make more sense. Don't get your panties in a wad either, this movie, while slightly sac-religious, is in my opinion, a very real and almost horrifying example of how Christians push people away everyday by looking down their nose at people who aren't as "holy" as they are. They just put it in a teen comedy movie. The movie also marked the return of Maculay Culkin to Hollywood. Anyway, when Mandy Moore was known for nothing as a poor man's Brittney Spears as far as talent goes, and with Michael Stipe being the lead singer of one of the most innovative bands ever, this combo is strange in itself. Also, taking Mandy Moore seriously enough to sing such a legendary song by the Beach Boys was kind of hard to stomach. Not a bad effort though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGSyPlctIxE

Reel Big Fish and MXPX- "Take On Me".This Ah-Ha song seems to be a cover favorite. While no band will ever catch the novelty flow that our Norwegian friends did in the 80's, this song is still lots of fun. Interesting to hear it in two completely different styles here. Also, two very different bands here. I really like both of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ4S-UiNmzo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDmKWVyKXHA

Boyce Avenue- "Make Love In This Club". Don't laugh, these guys are really really good. These Ecuadorian brothers from Miami have a rare knack for covering songs that aren't really acoustic/piano songs. I'm really quickly becoming a pretty big fan of these guys. However, even I scratched my head and did a double take when I caught the video of this song which has become a hot hit on the internet. I like Usher and all, but for some reason, this guy is a little bit easier to understand when he sings the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRNceFXQmdQ

Alien Ant Farm- "Smooth Criminal". These knuckleheads, which actually scored a semi-big radio hit with this Michael Jackson cover, aren't anything close to what I would call talented. However, there is a GREAT big ironic fact here. While they cannot TOUCH MJ as far as talent, I have an easier time understanding them sing this song than Michael Jackson. Disagree? Video is hilarious- I think they just hung out at a middle school for about a week and thought of everything that a group of 12-14 year olds would laugh at and put it in a video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhfv_kjrvrM&feature=related

India Arie- "Heart of the Matter". I LOVE this song, and I LOVE India Arie. She never would have struck me as a person to cover this Don Henley mega hit. She showed just how diverse she is on this one. I don't know if it is as good as the original, but when you cover a song 20 years after it comes out, the bar is set kind of high after it's been imprinted in music listener's minds. Enjoy this live performance of her doing that song as well as Rihanna's "Umbrella" at the 2007 North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Germany. Truly an incredible performer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJb_Sq7_jjo

The Gourds- "Gin and Juice". Ok this bluegrass band from Austin, Texas is just silly on this one. How many people take a Snoop Dogg song and turn it into an all out Bluegrass jam session? However, this song has caught on and has become The Gourds signature even appearing on "Austin City Limits" as well as other country music shows. I can't find an edited version of the song, but try to listen to this song and not laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ytZCSw2-ps

Marie Digby- "Umbrella". An acoustic version of the Rihanna song mentioned above. Marie Digby reminds me alot of Nora Jones in alot of respects and if you listen to her other songs, you really don't think of her as a person to a version of an R/B smash hit. All that being said, not a bad cover here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67-rIC0Mn_s

Phil Collins- "True Colors". Look at Cyndi Lauper. Look at Phil Collins. Enough said. Great live version from European television here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmfqLOLCNi8

Tori Amos- "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Tori Amos is one weird individual. She picked Nirvana's smash hit and sang it like it was a serious song. Tori Amos actually does this alot covering such songs as Eminem's "Bonnie and Clyde", Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide", 10cc's "I'm Not In Love", and even "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Hey, whatever works. However, I picked this one because I have to give Tori credit here. Did any of you actually know the words to this song? Yeah, I thought so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcHNZVrxEts&feature=related

Mark Wills- "Back At One". Mark Wills rode Brian McKnight's coat tails of this R/B mega hit to turn it into a country top 10 hit. One positive is that his video isn't nearly as depressing as Brian McKnight's post-apocalyptic feeling plane crash video which even featured him in an out of body experience. Thanks for keeping it positive, Mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HyrlT8OdjQ

Ben Folds- "B---es ain't S--t". I'll just let you watch this one, however, if you are offended by profanity, this might be a good one for you to skip, just wanted to give you a heads up. For those West Coast gangstas out there, you might remember this Dr. Dre song from "The Chronic". Peace out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3C4N6p78io&feature=related

Bonus Videos- Mariah Carey has had some great cover hits- we all remember her rendition of "I'll Be There", but she also covered Phil Collins "Against All Odds" and Journey's "Open Arms". Those two are featured here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqJSYjRERE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1zbAqmwJgc